Does anyone have a solution to the "loose" steering that the majority of fords experience? I have a 99 Expedition EB and wonder what I can do?

 

bigger wheels, smaller tires, assuming you stay on the road
also consider a stiffer shock.
alot of what you are feeling is sidewall flex, however the suspension is also somewhat "saggy" from my experience.
good or bad, upto you.
the whole rock the boat can be fun, but can also get old (as well as look really bad from the outside).
MrGone

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-02 AT 01:58 AM (EST)]I agree with everything that you said, and understand fully, but the problem is that the steering feels a little too loose! I have found it with all the Ford Trucks and other SUV's that I have been driving. I am just wondering if there is a mechanical solution that I can implement to stiffen the Steering, prevent the "wander", and make it feel a little LESS reactive? It comes down to 70mph, having to over steer for normal, everyday driving. I am used to a Truck that stays on its path. Am I just experiencing Ford?

In Addition, I need an aggressive tire as I am dealing with more snow and other off road terrain than the everyday driver so the bigger wheels, smaller tires will not work for me. I have had aggressive tires, and GREAT steering in other trucks; I just wonder what I need to do to my Expedition to make it better.

Any help would be GREAT! Thanks again!

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 11-Dec-02 AT 11:05 AM (EST)]I'm dealing with a similar issue - I think it has to do with the power steering fluid. I've seen sites all over the internet discussing how switching to synthetic P/S fluid creates a more even steering response, mainly because synthetics keep their properties through a wide range of temperatures (ever notice how your steering is kind of stiff when it's cold, but really loose once it warms up?) Same thing with your brakes - really stiff and responsive when it's cold, mash when it warms up.

Check your owner's manual for the P/S type - it'll probably say "Ford Premium Power Steering Fluid, "Spec. ESW-M2C33F" which means "Type F". If it matches up, then find either a Type F Synthetic ATF or Type F Synthetic P/S fluid (P/S fluid is essentially the same as ATF, and a lot of vehicles actually use ATF for P/S fluid).

So far, the only Syn Type F ATF I've found is either Redline or Amsoil. These companies also have their Syn P/S fluids.

Mobil informed me that Mobil 1 ATF will NOT satisfy the Type F spec. I'm waiting for Valvoline to get back to me about their Synpower Power Steering Fluid.

whew! that's a lot of chatter.

I'll keep you updated.

XXL

 

Two words:

Steering stabilizer.

 

Also Check your sway bar and links.

 

Expeditions are very sensitive to tire pressures. Be certain to follow factory recommendations. For my 1999 4x4, it's 35PSI rear, 30PSI front. I can immediately tell when the garage doesn't correct pressures after a tire rotation.